With 206 bones, over 300 joints, and over 600 muscles, the human body is designed to move. Movement is what keeps our bones, joints, and muscles healthy. When a joint stops moving things start to break down and get weaker. Bones lose density. Muscles lose strength and size. Cartilage thins. Bad things happen.
Yes, there are times when immobilization is helpful and a good idea. If you break your arm it's a good idea to get a cast to protect your arm as it heals. If you severely sprain your ankle it can be helpful to wear an ankle brace for a week or two. But most immobilization we experience is not that type, but rather body casts that we don't even think about. Anything that limits joint movement is a body cast and will have negative effects on the body.
Here are examples of things that cast or hold the body in a certain position or limit movement:
Yes, there are times when immobilization is helpful and a good idea. If you break your arm it's a good idea to get a cast to protect your arm as it heals. If you severely sprain your ankle it can be helpful to wear an ankle brace for a week or two. But most immobilization we experience is not that type, but rather body casts that we don't even think about. Anything that limits joint movement is a body cast and will have negative effects on the body.
Here are examples of things that cast or hold the body in a certain position or limit movement:
- Shoes (unless very flexible, zero drop, thin soled, and wide toe box)
- Compression clothing (compression shorts, socks, pants, arm sleeves, etc)
- Orthotics (holds foot in exact same position all day)
- Braces (back, wrist, ankle, elbow, knee, etc)
- Patella band, elbow strap, night splint, etc (restricts normal joint/muscle movement)
- Kinesio-tape, KT tape, Rock Tape, etc (restrict joint movement)
- Office Desk (desk chair, keyboard, mouse, etc)
- Car (seat and pedal position always the same)
- Backup cameras (no longer requires you to rotate spine and look behind you)
- Your bike or favorite piece of workout equipment (same position/movement over and over)
- Women's Bras (limits movement and restricts breathing)
- Tight fitting clothing (restricts movement and breathing)
- Belts (restricts movement and breaking)
- Smart phone (same position for hand(s) holding and using phone)
- Computer/TV/Smart phone (eyes focused at same distance the entire time)
- Couch/chairs (all built with about same seat height, depth, etc)
- Baby/child car seats, chairs, strollers, carrying devices, etc (limits baby's movement)
The more you can eliminate or reduce your use of these body casts the healthier your body will become. Your bones will become denser. Your muscles will become stronger and more flexible. Your cartilage will become denser and more resilient. Your discs will become more hydrated and healthier. Your movement will become easier and more pain free.
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